The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has moved to clarify its position regarding the ongoing sit-down strike by over 900 workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), emphasizing that the industrial action does not impact its operations.
In a statement issued by Dr. Frederick Appoh, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, the authority stressed that it remains fully operational, despite the strike by GRCL workers over eight months of unpaid salaries.
“The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) wishes to inform the public that it is not a party to the ongoing industrial action by workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL),” the statement read.
Dr. Appoh explained that the GRDA, established under the Railways Act, 2008 (Act 779), is legally distinct from the GRCL, with the former responsible for the ownership, development, maintenance, and regulation of railway infrastructure, while the latter focuses on passenger and freight transport services.
He emphasized that the GRDA is currently focused on the operationalisation of the newly constructed 97-kilometre Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line, a key component of the government’s broader railway modernization agenda.
The GRDA’s work, he noted, includes managing the country’s railway assets and developing new standard gauge railway lines, with no direct role in the management or payment of GRCL workers.
“Our staff remain committed to advancing key projects and delivering efficient railway infrastructure for national development,” the statement added, urging the public to distinguish between the two institutions to avoid confusion.
The strike, which began on May 13, has seen GRCL workers don red armbands and stage protests at various railway sites across the country, citing financial hardship and government neglect as their primary grievances.
Dr. Appoh assured the public that the GRDA’s projects, including the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line, remain on track, with no disruptions expected as a result of the GRCL strike.
The GRDA also expressed gratitude to the public for its continued support and understanding as it works to fulfill its mandate under Ghana’s Railway Master Plan.
